Mobile RFID container and distribution method

ABSTRACT

A transportable container is enabled with radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technologies to maintain automated inventory levels of those items that are inside the container. The inventory data is communicated via wireless methods, such as cellular or Wi-Fi, to a remote device such as enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. The ERP system may use the inventory data received from the remote device to automatically update appropriately and generate appropriate records (e.g., container inventory, restocking, invoicing, etc.). In some embodiments, automated RFID scans are triggered when the container is opened and subsequently closed. The container may include RF containment/screening to prevent inadvertent scanning of RFID tags outside of the container. The container may also include a location device to allow the location of the container to be readily determined.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/581,818 filed Apr. 28, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/337,732, filed Jul. 22, 2014, and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 9,704,000 on Jul. 11, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/857,987 filed Jul. 24, 2013. Theabove-identified applications are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present technology relates generally to supply chain management,including the distribution, tracking, transport, storage and inventorysystems, as well as methods utilized to perform such supply chainmanagement. Radio frequency technologies, cellular communicationsystems, global positioning systems, and software workflow applicationsinvolved with supply chain management are also disclosed.

Currently, in the healthcare industry, complex and expensive medicaldevices, such as implantable devices, and related instruments aredistributed from the medical device manufacturer or distributor to thehealthcare provider (e.g., hospital or surgical center). These devicesare typically packaged in sterilized containers and organized, forexample, by type of medical procedure and/or size. In many cases, untilthe medical procedure is actually in process, it is unclear from aninventory and logistics standpoint as to what exact medical device(s)and/or instrument(s), e.g., size or type, will be used in the particularprocedure. Because of this, it is necessary for the medical devicemanufacture to provide a substantial (yet constantly changing) inventoryof medical devices, e.g., various types and sizes, as well as relatedinstruments, to the medical facility, e.g., hospital or surgical center,at a relatively short notice.

One method to accomplish this is to distribute an inventory of medicaldevices from the manufacturer or distribution center to the medicalfacility in a transportable container. These containers are stocked withitems, e.g., product(s) at a manufacturer or distribution center and maysit in inventory until a specific customer or sales representativerequests them for use.

For example, once there is a request for a certain devices, e.g., a setof implant/device, a container is labeled and shipped, e.g., via FederalExpress, UPS, or another courier, to the medical facility, (or directlyto a medical device field representative who will, in turn, transport itto the medical facility). Once in the medical facility, the container isopened and various devices are removed (some of which are used in amedical procedure, e.g., implanted into a patient). When the procedureis complete, the container is packaged up and returned to the medicaldevice manufacturer or distribution center.

Currently, there is very little visibility into what inventory isactually in a container at any given time. It is only when themanufacturer or distribution center receives the container back andopens it that they actually know what items were taken or used in agiven procedure. As these containers need to be quickly restocked andsent back out for use in other procedures, the manufacturer ordistribution center can be caught without enough inventory of aparticular device or implant type or size because they only see what hasbeen taken and used when the container is physically (over the course ofdays to weeks) returned. Additionally, if a particular procedure is notperformed for an extended period of time following delivery of thecontainer to the medical facility, the associated transportablecontainer and its expensive medical device/implant inventory cannot befurther tracked and managed in a “real-time” manner. Thus, themanufacturer may end up producing a significant amount of device/implantoverstock because of the poor logistical controls. Moreover, if thecontainer is not returned to the distribution for restocking following aprocedure, the container may not include the appropriate inventory for asubsequent procedure. In some instances, this out of stock condition maynot be discovered until after the subsequent procedure has begun.

In addition, the physical location of each container is often unknown,leading to wasted time by the medical device manufacturer and/or medicalfacility staff having to track down each container. In such instances,the medical device manufacturer may need to stock additional devices andcontainers to offset containers unaccounted for devices and containers.

Furthermore, the medical device manufacture cannot invoice the customeruntil it confirms what has been used in a particular procedure. Attimes, the container will not be returned to the manufacturer ordistribution center for days after a procedure, which can lead tobilling delays and inaccuracies.

SUMMARY

At least some embodiments of the present technology depicted hereinrelate to a transportable container enabled with radio frequencyidentification (“RFID”) technology to maintain automated and “real time”inventory levels of the items that are inside the container. In someembodiments, the transportable container may, for example, be in theform of a mobile container that is sized and configured to betransported, e.g., carried, by a person. In other embodiments, thecontainer may, for example, be a cargo or a shipping container, a railcar, a vehicle, etc. The inventory data is communicated, e.g., viawireless methods such as cellular or Wi-Fi, to a remote device such asan enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system, website, server,personal computer, etc. The remote device may use the inventory datareceived from the transportable container to automatically update andgenerate appropriate records (e.g., container inventory, restocking,invoicing, etc.). In some further embodiments, automated RFID scans aretriggered when the container is opened and subsequently closed. Thecontainer may include RF containment/screening to prevent inadvertentscanning of RFID tags outside of the container.

The container may also include a location device for determining thelocation of the container and its associated cargo. For example, thecontainer may utilize cellular triangulation and/or global positioningsystem (“GPS”) technology to allow for determining the location of thecontainer. The container may also include a power source, such as arechargeable battery power, for the electronics.

In some embodiments, the container may include additional sensors formonitoring environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity,pressure, etc., of the interior compartment and/or the ambientconditions surrounding the container. Similarly, the container may beequipped with impact sensor(s), accelerometer(s) or similar technologyfor gathering data regarding impacts or other adverse forces that thecontainer is exposed to, e.g., for introducing accountability andoversight into the shipping and handling stages of the supply chain.

The container may include a controller coupled to these sensors andconfigured to transmit data gathered by these sensors to a remotedevice. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured totransmit such data at predetermined time intervals and/or in response topredetermined events or conditions. For example, if the controllerdetects an event that could adversely affect the products, such as anexcessive impact or adverse temperature condition, the controller may beconfigured to automatically transmit the relevant data to the remotedevice.

In addition, a mobile RFID container may include one or more visualand/or audible indicators that may be activated in response to the datacollected from the sensors. For example, the container may include avisual indicator, such as a light, display screen, etc., that may beused to provide messages and/or alerts in response to the data collectedfrom the various sensors. The container may also include a device suchas a speaker for providing audible alerts and/or messages in response tothe data collected from the various sensors.

The mobile RFID container may also include a communication interfaceconfigured to transmit data to the remote device. In some embodiments,the communication interface may be a wireless communication interfaceand may include, for example, one or more of a cellular interface, aWi-Fi interface or a Bluetooth interface. Data, such as scan (i.e., RFIDtag data), location, sensed parameter and/or time code data may becommunicated to a remote device such as an enterprise resource planning(“ERP”) system, website, server, personal computer, etc. The remotedevice may use the data received from the transportable container toautomatically update and generate appropriate records (e.g., containerinventory, restocking, invoicing, location tracking, breakage,tampering, container conditions, open and close events, etc.).

The mobile RFID container may further include radio frequency, (“RF”)shielding to prevent the RFID scans from reading RFID tags locatedoutside of the container. In some embodiments, the RF shielding mayinclude one or more layers of RF blocking material that surrounds orlines the interior compartment. In some embodiments, the layer of RFblocking material comprises at least one of metal or metalized plastic.In some embodiments, the layer of RF blocking material comprises one ofa sheet metal, a metal screen, or a metal foam. However, it should beappreciated that the RF shielding aspects and embodiments of the presenttechnology may comprise any one or more suitable shielding materialsbeyond the ones noted here. If the material(s) can function as an RFshielding material, it/they are contemplated for use in accordance withthe present technology and appended claims. In some embodiments, such RFshielding material may not be needed depending on antenna selectionand/or RF power settings, for example.

In some embodiments, the RFID tagged items carried in the mobile RFIDcontainer may be one or more pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devicesand/or medical instruments. The scan data may include, for example, oneor more of an EPC code, a TID code, a serial number, a productdescription, a date, and a lot number among others).

In some embodiments, the mobile RFID container may include a system forlimiting and/or tracking access to the container. For example, in someembodiments, the mobile RFID container may include a locking mechanismand an identification sensor, such as a badge or card reader. Thecontroller may be coupled to the identification sensor and lockingmechanism and configured to track and/or restrict access to thecontainer. For example, in some embodiments, the controller may beconfigured to record identity information regarding individuals whoattempt to access contents of the container via the identificationsensor and transmit such data to the remote device.

At least some embodiments of the present technology relate to a mobileRFID container for carrying a plurality of products that includerespective RFID tags. The housing may include a main body and a door,lid or cover (collectively referred to herein as a “door”). The mainbody and the door cooperate to define an interior compartment configuredto carry the plurality of products. The door is movable relative to themain body between an open position to provide access to the interiorcompartment and a closed position to prevent access to the interiorcompartment. In some embodiments, the door may be movably connected tothe main body, e.g., by one or more hinges or similar mechanism.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the door may be completely removablefrom the main body. A door sensor may be provided to detect opening andclosing of the door. An RFID detector may be positioned in the housingand configured to conduct an RFID scan of the interior compartment andcollect scan data concerning the products contained within thecompartment. A controller is communicatively coupled to the door sensorand the RFID detector. In some embodiments, the controller may beconfigured to trigger an RFID scan via the RFID detector in response tothe occurrence of predetermined events and/or at regular time intervals.For example, the controller may be configured to trigger an RFID scan inresponse to the door sensor detecting that the door has been closed. Thecontroller may further be configured to transmit the scan data to aremote device.

Certain embodiments of the present technology relate to a method fordistributing a plurality of products, where each product includes atleast one RFID tag. The method includes providing a mobile RFIDcontainer as described above; placing a plurality of products in themobile RFID container; transporting the mobile RFID container to an enduser; conducting an RFID scan in response to sensing the opening andclosing of the door following the transporting step; and transmittingscan data collected via the RFID scan from the RFID container to aremote device. The method may further comprise generating inventory,invoicing and/or credit data based on the scan data. However, it shouldbe appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of types ofreports may be generated (e.g., time/date status report, locationreport, tamper event report, external/internal container conditionsreport, content conditions report, among others). In other embodiments,the inventory, invoicing and/or credit data, for example, may begenerated by the remote device. The method may also include transportingthe mobile RFID container from the end user to a manufacturer ordistribution center and restocking the container with products. In someembodiments, the restocking is based on scan data transmitted by themobile RFID container prior to the RFID container reaching themanufacturer or distribution center. Thus, at least one advantage of thepresent technology is real-time use and contents tracking and inventorymanagement which, in turn, enhances billing and invoicing timing,efficiency and/or accuracy. In still further embodiments, an RFID scanmay be automatically conducted when the container is closed followingthe restocking step. The scan data collected following the restockingstep may be transmitted from the mobile RFID container to the remotedevice. The method may also comprise generating location data indicativeof the location of the mobile RFID container and transmitting locationdata from the mobile RFID container to the remote device

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile RFID container according to anexemplary embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a control system used in the mobile RFIDcontainer of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the body of the mobileRFID container of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flow diagrams illustrating a medical devicedistribution process according to certain embodiments of the presenttechnology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile (i.e., transportable or movable) RFIDcontainer 10 according to certain embodiments of the present technology.In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the mobile RFID container 10 is in theform of a container that is sized and configured to be transported,e.g., carried, by an individual. It will be appreciated, however, thatthe container can take numerous other forms, such as, a rail car, acargo container, a shipping container, or a vehicle, for example.

In the illustrated embodiment, container 10 includes a housing 12 havinga main body 14 and a door 16. The main body 14 and the door 16 cooperateto define an interior compartment 18. The door 16 is movable relative tothe main body 14 between an open position to provide access to theinterior compartment 18 and a closed position to prevent access to theinterior compartment. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 16 ismovably connected to the main body 14 by a hinge mechanism 20.Alternatively, the door 16 may be removable from the main body 14 inorder to provide access to the interior compartment. The housing 12 mayinclude one or more latches 22 for securing the door 16 in its closedposition. The housing 12 may also include one or more handles 24 and/orwheels (not shown) to facilitate its movement.

The interior compartment 18 is configured to house a plurality of items26. In this regard, the interior compartment may include a plurality ofsub-compartments 28, each of which is configured to house one or moreindividual items. By way of example, the items 26 may includepharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, such as implants, and/orrelated medical instruments, e.g., surgical instruments. Each product(or its packaging) may include one or more RFID tags 30 (see FIG. 2 )encoded with descriptive information for the respective product, such asan EPC code, a TID code, a serial number, a product type, a date, a lotnumber, and similar information, or a unique ID, among other informationwhich can correspond to information in a database on a server. Thesub-compartments 28 may be defined by a substantially RF transparentmaterial, such as hard foam; plastic or rigid cardboard.

Referring additionally to FIG. 2 , the mobile RFID container 10 may alsoinclude at least one control system 40 for collecting data regarding theRFID-tagged items within the container and transmitting that data to aremote device 41 over a network 43. Transmissions between the mobileRFID container 10 and the remote device may be conducted using standardprotocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, or other protocols. The network 43 may bethe Internet, a telephone network, a wireless network, power linecarrier (“PLC”) network, or other type of network and combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the remote device 41 may be an enterpriseresource planning (“ERP”) system, website, server, personal computer,etc. In some embodiments, the remote device may include multiple serversand databases and be constructed in accordance with certain aspects ofthe systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,025,228 and/or 7,258,276, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The control system may include an RFID detector 42, a communicationsinterface 44, a controller 46 and a power source 48. The RFID detector42 may be configured to conduct RFID scans of the interior compartment18 and collect scan data concerning the RFID-tagged items 26 containedwithin the compartment. The RFID detector 42 may include at least oneRFID reader 50 interconnected with at least one RFID antenna mechanism52. In some embodiments, the RFID antenna mechanism 52 may include aplurality of antennas 53. The RFID tags 30 may be passive or active. Inthe case of passive tags, the RFID reader 50 may be operable to activatethe antenna mechanism 52 such that the antenna mechanism emits at leastone signal at a predefined frequency and generates an electromagneticfield sufficient to permeate the entire interior compartment. An RFIDreader that is suitable for use in at least some embodiments is an IndyRS500 reader module, which is available from Impinj, Inc. Anothersuitable RFID reader for at least some embodiments is an Impinj SpeedwayRevolution RFID.

The communications interface 44 may be a wireless communicationsinterface and may include one or more of a cellular interface, a Wi-Fiinterface or a Bluetooth interface, for example. A wirelesscommunications interface suitable for use in at least some embodimentsof the present technology is a Sierra MC7354 with a SIM card provided bya carrier such as Sprint, Verizon or AT&T, which are available fromcommercial sources. Another suitable wireless communication interfacefor at least some embodiments is a Cradlepoint MBR1400 with a cellulardata card. Alternatively or additionally, the communications interface44 may include a wired network interface, such as a Ethernet NIC, forexample.

The controller 46 is communicatively coupled to the RFID detector 42 andthe communications interface 44, e.g., via Ethernet or other suitableconnections. A suitable controller for use in at least some embodimentsof the present technology is an Arcom Zeus embedded computer which isavailable from commercial sources. In some other embodiments, thecontroller may be embodied in a custom board. The controller 46 may beconfigured to trigger RFID scans via the RFID detector 42 and totransmit scan data to the remote device 41 via the communicationsinterface 44. In some embodiments, the controller 46 may transmit thescan data to the remote device 41 each time an RFID scan is performed.In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to trigger one ormore RFID scans in response to a scan request received from the remotedevice 41. In some embodiments, the controller 46 may be configured totrigger multiple scans. For example, the controller 46 may run aplurality of scans in order to ensure a predetermined integrity level ofthe scan data in the manner described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat.No. 8,025,288.

The control system 40 may also include one or more sensors 54 fordetecting parameters relative to the mobile RFID container. For example,in some embodiments, the sensor(s) 54 may include a door sensor fordetecting the position and/or movement of the door 16 and transmittingat least one signal indicative thereof. For example, the door sensor maybe a proximity sensor that is configured to provide informationregarding whether the door 16 is opened or closed. A sensor that issuitable for use in at least some embodiments is Omron Automation 3-wireE2E-X1R5E1 proximity sensor, which is available from commercial sources.As discussed below, the door sensor may be used to determine if thecontents of the container have been accessed. As will be appreciated, avariety of other sensors, such as motion sensors, may alternatively oradditionally be used to facilitate this function. For example, when thecontainer is in the form of a truck or shipping container, a motiondetection sensor may be provided to detect when individuals enter orexit the container.

In some embodiments, the sensor(s) 54 may include one or more sensorsfor monitoring environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity,atmospheric pressure, etc., of the internal compartment and/or theambient conditions surrounding the mobile RFID container 10. Similarly,in some embodiments, the sensor(s) 54 may include one or more impactsensors or similar technology for gathering data regarding impactsand/or other adverse forces that the mobile RFID container is exposedto.

The controller 46 may be operatively coupled to the sensor(s) 54 andconfigured to collect data from the sensor(s). In some embodiments, thecontroller 46 may be configured to perform additional actions, such astriggering one or more RFID scans, in response to the sensor data. Forexample, in embodiments where the sensor(s) 54 include a door sensor,the controller 46 may be configured to trigger one or more RFID scans inresponse to a door sensor indicating the door has been closed. In someembodiments, the controller may be configured to trigger scans when thesensor data meets a predetermined condition, such as a predeterminedtemperature or humidity condition.

The control system 40 may also include at least one location device 57for generating location data indicative of the location of the mobileRFID container 10. In some embodiments, the location device may use GPStechnology and/or cellular technology, e.g., via multilateration ofradio signals between radio towers. The location device 57 may beconfigured to interact with the communications interface 44 to transmitlocation data directly to the remote device 41, e.g., via a cellularnetwork. Alternatively or additionally, the location device may transmitthe location data to the controller 46, and the controller 46 may, inturn, be configured to transmit the location data to the remote device41 via the communications interface 44. A location device suitable foruse in at least some embodiments of the present technology may beembedded in the cellular data card of the wireless communicationsinterface discussed above.

The controller 46 may be configured to store the scan data, sensor dataand/or location data in memory carried by the container 10. Thecontroller 46 may further be configured to transmit the scan data and/orsensor data to a remote device. For example, in some embodiments, thecontroller 46 may be configured to transmit the scan data and/or sensordata at predetermined time intervals and/or in response to predeterminedevents or conditions. In this regard, the controller 46 mayautomatically transmit scan data each time a scan occurs, e.g., inresponse to the container being accessed. The controller 46 may also beconfigured to transmit data if the controller detects an event thatcould adversely affect the RFID-tagged items, such as an excessiveimpact or adverse temperature condition.

In addition, the mobile RFID container 10 may include one or moreindicators 55, which can be activated, e.g., by the controller 46 inresponse to the data collected from the sensor(s) 54 and/or otherconditions or parameters. For example, in some embodiments, theindicators 55 may include a visual indicator, such as a light or displayscreen, that can be activated by the controller 46 to provide alertsand/or messages. In some embodiments, the indicators 55 may also includean audible indicator, such as a speaker, that can be activated by thecontroller 46 to provide alerts and/or messages. For example, theindicator(s) 55 may be used to provide messages/alerts concerning theconditions of the container and/or its contents. Examples includemessages concerning power status, charging status, scanning status,e.g., scan in progress, temperature inside container, criticaltemperature exceeded, alerts concerning potential damage to products,e.g., resulting from excess temperature, excess impact, or any otherdesirable information.

The mobile RFID container 10 may include RFID shielding or a portionthereof configured to prevent the RFID detector from reading RFID tagslocated outside of the container. In this regard, the housing may beconstructed of at least one suitable RF blocking material known in theart. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile RFID container 10 mayinclude at least one layer of RFID blocking material that surrounds,encompasses, lines, or interacts with the interior compartment. SuitableRF blocking materials include, for example, a metal, such as copper,aluminum foil, a spray on metallic paint, or a metalized plastic. Insome embodiments, the layers of RF blocking material may be, forexample, a sheet metal, a metal screen, and/or a metal foam.Alternatively or additionally, a near field (NF) antenna could beemployed to limit read distance to inside container 10. The RF signalfrom RFID reader 50 to RFID antenna 53 could also be tuned to preventreading of tags outside of the container.

As noted above, a power source 48 is provided for powering the variouscomponents of the control system 40. The power source 48 may, forexample, include one or more rechargeable batteries 56. The batteries 56may be removable for charging using an external battery charger, notshown. Alternatively or additionally, the container may include contacts(not shown) for slide-in self-charging or an inductive (contactless) matcharging interface. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the power source48 may include an AC power adapter 58 configured to power at least onecharging circuit (not shown) for charging the batteries, collectively orindividually. The AC power adapter 58 may also be configured to directlypower the control system components, including while the batteries arebeing recharged. Electrical power may be delivered to the AC poweradapter 58 from an external source. In this regard, a power cord 62 maybe used to interconnect the AC power adapter 58 to an external powersource. The cord 62 may be configured for connection to an electricaloutlet or other power source such as a cigarette lighter in a vehicle.The power cord 62 may be detachable from the AC power adapter 58 so itcan be stored when not in use.

The control system 40 may be configured to run in a sleep state topreserve the batteries. For example, the control system 40 may beconfigured to transition to the sleep state in response to the door 16being closed for a predetermined amount of time, such as 5 minutes, forexample. The control system 40 may be configured to “awaken” to fullpower operation in response to a predetermined event or condition. Forexample, when the control system includes a door sensor, the controlsystem may be configured to awaken in response to the door 16 beingopened or opened/closed, for example. The control system may further beconfigured, for example, to perform one or many RFID scans and/ortransmit data to the remote device in response to being awakened, e.g.,following the door 16 being opened and closed. Alternatively oradditionally, the control system 40 may be configured to wake up onregular intervals and perform scans and/or transmit data. For example,the control system may be configured to awaken at regular intervals andtransmit location data to the remote device for tracking purposes.

In some embodiments, the mobile RFID container 10 may include a systemfor limiting and/or tracking access to the container. For example, insome embodiments, the mobile RFID container may include a lockingmechanism 59 for restricting access to the container. In addition, thesensors 54 may include one or more identification sensor 61, such as abadge/card reader, finger print reader or similar device. The controller46 may be configured to control the locking mechanism 59 in response todata collected from the identification sensor 61 indicating that anentity, e.g., person or business, is (or is not) authorized to accessthe contents of the container. The controller 46 may further beconfigured to transmit data gathered from the identification sensor to aremote device. For example, in some embodiments, the controller may beconfigured to record identity information regarding entities who attemptto access contents of the container via the identification sensor andtransmit such data (alone or with other data such as contemporaneousscan and/or parameter data) to the remote device.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the body 14 of the container may comprise first andsecond portions 64 and 66 that cooperate to define a compartment 68 forhousing at least some of the control system components 40. In theillustrated embodiment, the body first portion 64 may be generallybox-shaped and includes a back wall 70 and a side wall 72 extending fromthe edges of the back wall. It is envisaged that other shapes(rectangular, oval, circular, etc.) can be utilized. The first bodyportion 64 defines a front opening 74 that provides access to thecompartment 68. The second body portion 66 may be in the form of a flatpanel that mates with the front opening 74 to close off the compartment68. Fasteners 75, such as screws, may be used to secure the first andsecond body portions 64 and 66 to each other. Some or all of the controlsystem components may be mounted on the door 16. In some embodiments,one or more of the RFID detector(s) 42, controller 46, communicationsinterface 44, location device 56 and/or power source 48 may be mountedon, within or in communication with the compartment 68. In someembodiments, some or all of these components may be mounted on a singlecircuit board. Further, in other embodiments, the antenna(s) 53 may bemounted on the second body portion 66. Alternatively, the antenna(s) 53may be mounted on the door 16 so that the antenna(s) face the interiorcompartment 18 when the door is in its closed position. In someembodiments, some or all of the control system components may be carriedby the container door 16.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flow diagrams illustrating an exemplary medical devicedistribution process according to at least one embodiment of the presenttechnology. The distribution process 400 begins in step 405 where themobile RFID container 10 is stocked with items at a distribution center.For example, in the context of a medical procedure, the container may bestocked with medical devices of varying sizes and configurations as wellas one or more surgical tools that can be used to implant the devicesduring surgery. After the mobile RFID container 10 is stocked with theappropriate items, the container is closed. At this time, the mobileRFID container 10 may conduct a scan, e.g., in response to sensing doorclosure via the door sensor and transmit the scan data to the remotedevice, e.g., an ERP system. At the same time, the mobile RFID container10 may transmit location data that can be used to correlate the locationof the container and its current inventory. For example, the RFID scandata and location data can be used to update inventory data for themobile RFID container 10. The inventory data may reflect, for example,the time, date, location and contents of the container as well as anyother data as may be desirable for the given application.

Once the mobile RFID container 10 is stocked with the appropriateitem(s), it is shipped from the distribution center to the end user.(Step 410) In the context of a medical procedure, the end user may be ahospital or surgical center, for example. The mobile RFID container 10can be shipped via a common carrier, such as Federal Express or UPS, forexample. Alternatively, the mobile RFID container 10 may be transportedto the end user by a field representative, as is common in the medicaldevice industry.

Once at the end user (Step 415), the mobile RFID container 10 may beused to distribute the RFID-tagged items. (Step 420) By way of example,the mobile RFID container 10 may be brought into the surgical suite bythe field representative and used to distribute appropriate items, e.g.,implants and/or tools, to the medical staff during a surgical procedure.FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating certain aspects of an exemplaryprocess for distributing items from the mobile RFID container during asurgical procedure. In step 505, the mobile RFID container 10 is opened.For example, the field representative may open the mobile RFID containerat the beginning of the surgical procedure or at such time as may bedeemed appropriate. Next, in step 510, one or more items are removedfrom (and/or added) to the container during the medical procedure. Forexample, several devices, e.g., implants of varying sizes, may beremoved from the container. During medical procedure, the appropriatedevice(s) may be implanted and unused devices may be return to or leftin the container. While the container 10 is at the end user, it mayperform one or more RFID scans to collect scan data (i.e., RFID tagdata) concerning its contents. For example, an RFID scan may beautomatically triggered when the door is closed following the medicalprocedure. (Steps 515 & 520)

The scan data is then transmitted (Step 530) to the remote device 41where it can be used to generate and/or update appropriate records(e.g., container inventory, discrepancies, locations, restocking,invoicing, other recordable events, etc.). (See, e.g., Steps 540-550).The mobile RFID container 10 may also transmit location data with thescan data to allow the remote device to coordinate the current inventoryof the mobile RFID container with its location. For example, the datamay be used to determine what items were used during the surgery forinvoicing purposes.

As noted above, the remote device 41 may, for example, include an ERPsystem operating on one or more servers. As indicated in step 540, theERP system may be configured to automatically invoice or creditcustomers based on the data received from the RFID container. Similarly,in step 545, the ERP system may be configured to update appropriateinventory records for the specific container based on the data receivedfrom the mobile RFID container. Further, in step 550, the ERP system maybe configured to automatically schedule replenishment/restocking of thecontainer based on the data received from the mobile RFID container.

Returning to FIG. 4 , once the medical procedure is completed, themobile RFID container 10 may be returned to the manufacturer ordistribution center. (Steps 425, 430). Once at the manufacturer ordistribution center, the mobile RFID container 10 may be restocked withthe appropriate item(s). (Step 405). Advantageously, the scan data isautomatically transmitted to the remote device 41 when the door 16 ofthe mobile RFID container 10 is closed following the medical procedure.As a result, the appropriate invoicing, inventory and restocking recordscan be generated before the mobile RFID container 10 is received at themanufacturer or distribution center. Thus, the invoicing process can beexpedited, and the manufacturer or distribution center can take steps toensure that the appropriate items are in inventory for restocking themobile RFID container 10 upon its receipt at the manufacturer ordistribution center.

Other exemplary distributions methods using a mobile RFID container ofthe type described herein can be found in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/325,921, which is entitled “Process For Distribution And Use Of AMobile RFID Container,” and was filed on Jul. 8, 2014, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

While this disclosure has been described as having exemplaryembodiments, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses,or adaptations using the general principles set forth herein. It isenvisioned that those skilled in the art may devise variousmodifications and equivalents without departing from the spirit andscope of the disclosure as recited in the following claims. Further,this application is intended to cover such departures from the presentdisclosure as come within the known or customary practice within the artto which it pertains.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A mobile container for carrying a pluralityof products, each product including at least one RFID tag, the mobilecontainer comprising: a housing including a body and a door, the bodyand the door cooperating to define an interior compartment configured tocarry the plurality of products, the door being movable relative to thebody between an open position to provide external access to the interiorcompartment and a closed position to prevent external access to theinterior compartment; a door sensor configured to detect whether thedoor is in the open position or the closed position; an RFID detectorconfigured to conduct RFID scans of the interior compartment and collectscan data concerning the RFID tags on the products contained within theinterior compartment; a GPS component configured to generate locationdata indicative of a location of the mobile container; a controllercoupled to the door sensor, the RFID detector, and communicativelycoupled to the GPS component, the controller configured to trigger anRFID scan via the RFID detector and transmit the scan data and thecurrent location data to a remote device in response to the door sensordetecting that the door has been moved into the closed position.
 2. Themobile container of claim 1, wherein the remote device comprises one ormore of an enterprise resource planning system, a server, a website, ora computer.
 3. The mobile container of claim 1, further comprising awireless communication interface configured to wirelessly transmit thescan data to the remote device.
 4. The mobile container of claim 3,wherein the wireless communication interface comprises one or more of acellular interface, a Wi-Fi interface, or a Bluetooth interface.
 5. Themobile container of claim 1, further comprising radio-frequency (RF)shielding configured to prevent the RFID detector from obtaining RFIDscan data from RFID tags located outside of the mobile container.
 6. Themobile container of claim 5, wherein the RF shielding comprises at leastone of a metal, a metalized paint, or a metalized plastic.
 7. The mobilecontainer of claim 5, wherein the RF shielding comprises one of a sheetmetal, a metal screen, or a metal foam.
 8. The mobile container of claim1, wherein the RFID detector and the controller are mounted in the doorof the mobile container.
 9. The mobile container of claim 1, wherein theRFID detector includes: at least one antenna; and an RFID readeroperatively coupled to the at least one antenna, wherein the RFID readeris configured to conduct RFID scans via the at least one antenna. 10.The mobile container of claim 9, wherein the RFID reader is configuredto activate the at least one antenna such that the at least one antennaemits a signal at a predefined frequency and generates anelectromagnetic field within the interior compartment.
 11. The mobilecontainer of claim 10, wherein the at least one antenna comprises aplurality of antennas.
 12. The mobile container of claim 1, wherein thescan data comprises data identifying each RFID tag contained in themobile container.
 13. The mobile container of claim 12, wherein the scandata comprises one or more of an EPC code, a TID code, a serial number,a product description, a date, or a lot number.
 14. The mobile containerof claim 1, wherein the door is movably connected to the body.
 15. Themobile container of claim 1, wherein the door is removable from thebody.
 16. The mobile container of claim 1, wherein the mobile containeris in a form that is sized and configured to be carried by anindividual.